Eastern Shore Ace, McAleer’s Cross Named Retailers Of The Year

Eastern Shore Ace Hardware of Spanish Fort held an event this week to celebrate its recent naming as an Alabama Retailer of the Year. Founded in 2015, the locally owned and operated hardware store experienced tremendous sales growth in 2020 and plans to expand its operation to a second store in the next year. The Alabama Retail Association will present the award to Owner Steve Ascik. Casey Williams, president and CEO of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, nominated the business. A panel of independent judges chose the winners.

Melissa M. Cross, president of McAleer’s Office Furniture in Mobile, was named Alabama’s 2021 Silver Retailer of the Year in the “Annual Sales More Than $5 Million” category. The business, which also operates in Pensacola, employs 20 full time. Cross has been president of the company since 2012, while her brother, David McAleer, manages the Florida location. She has grown the second-generation, family-owned and -operated business to more than $6 million in annual sales. She also supports other entrepreneurs, participating in two mentoring programs: Real Advice Mentoring Program, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Innovation Portal in Mobile. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and an employee nominated Cross. The awards, started in 1999, honor retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their respective communities.